Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

[Paul S.]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but here goes...

I know you get bonus points for having a fire extinguisher. Along with that, is any simple modification to mount that extinguisher ignored for judging purposes? For instance, if I install a mount on the front seat bolts, that will not cause me to lose any points on the seat during judging, will it?

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Maybe this is a stupid question, but here goes...

I know you get bonus points for having a fire extinguisher. Along with that, is any simple modification to mount that extinguisher ignored for judging purposes? For instance, if I install a mount on the front seat bolts, that will not cause me to lose any points on the seat during judging, will it?

In my experience at NCRS meets owners do not mount their fire extinguisher in their car. I would suggest you follow that practice.

[David R.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

I agree. Typically owners will place the extinguisher on the ground beside or behind their car. If you want it in the car while you are driving (and yes, you definitely do) - that's a different story. Many solutions to this, just be absolutely certain the extinguisher is properly secured - you do NOT want it to become a projectile in a collision. Also, make sure it is readily accessible so you can grab it and go. If you need it, chances are seconds will count. And lastly, make sure you know how to use it. During a fire emergency is not the time to learn.

[Paul S.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Hmmm... thanks for the replies. Not sure I totally agree with this, though, as I know first hand that you do not want a loose fire extinguisher in the car, and this practice seems to encourage that. I was in a serious car accident a year ago in a brand new Dodge Challenger (the car was totalled), and an unopened 1 Lt. bottle of water that I had on the passenger seat flew up and broke the windshield from the inside. Most people just do not realize the danger of having loose objects in a car during a serious accident -- they become potentially lethal projectiles.

Regardless, I suppose I will plan to remove the mount when I get to a judged event, but like I said, I would encourage the NCRS to change this practice. If the whole idea of giving extra points for having a fire extinguisher is to promote safety, then the practice of docking points for having a safe fire extinguisher mount installed seems to go against that idea. I would go so far as to say that having a fire extinguisher in the car that is not properly secured is more dangerous than not having one at all. By that logic, you would think the NCRS would actually require a proper mount be installed to get the bonus points.

[Frank D.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

I bought a simple velcro mount that works fine right behind the passenger seat I think it was $13 and they're made primarily for Jeeps...Just pull it out and use the extinguisher in the holder if needed..

[Gary B.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Frank,

Very clever. And neat.

Gary

[Mark E.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Is Velcro strong enough to restain an extinguisher during a collision?

[Paul S.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

I wouldn't trust it. Like I said above, a plastic water bottle had enough force to break the windshield in my wreck (3 cars involved, all going 70+ MPH). My cell phone was ejected from the car and ended up who knows where. Luckily, those were the only two items I had loose in the car -- had it been my wife's car, there would have been about 80 other items laying around (including the kettlebell weights she uses to workout). Anyways, based on what I saw in my recent accident, there is no way I would trust that velcro. I agree that it looks nice, but looks aren't everything when it comes to safety.

[Frank D.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Well - it stayed in place in my wreck and apparently does in Jeeps...and takes a good bit of force to pull it off, the original design is to go on a rollbar for offroad use. Its also tucked down in the luggage depression and behind a seat.

But I understand...use what makes you feel safe...

That is an old pic and I carry an Element 50 stick in the glove box now.. https://elementfire.com/

Some don't like those either but its what I'm satisfied with it...

[John F.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

I carry both!

[Ed H.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

The Bracketeer (thebracketeer.com)

Simon was very helpful working out a small bug for this installation. Gracious and no charge for the extra hardware.

I've been involved with several vehicle fires - none mine. There's been an extinguisher in every car I've owned.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

At a meet, having an extinguisher in a locked car will do no good. Even one mounted in an unlocked car would waste precious seconds to retrieve.

Please note I did not say that a deduction was made for an extinguisher mounted in a car. I simply said it is not the general practice to mount and extinguisher in judged vehicles. I am not sure that is for fear of deductions. It has simply become Standard Operating Practice. If a car has been presented for judging with an extinguisher mounted in the car I don't know if deductions were made. If I still remember by the next Team Leaders meeting in January, I will ask, as you now have my curiosity aroused. Will it stay aroused until January? Anyone taking bets?

There is wording in The Judging Reference Manual that there is to be a minimal deduction for the addition of safety items. This wording generally is applied to seat belts added to cars not so originally equipped, but it could apply to a fire extinguisher mounted in the car.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

If I still remember by the next Team Leaders meeting in January, I will ask, as you now have my curiosity aroused. Will it stay aroused until January? Anyone taking bets?

I know too much to answer that one.

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

Hmmm... thanks for the replies. Not sure I totally agree with this, though, as I know first hand that you do not want a loose fire extinguisher in the car, and this practice seems to encourage that. I was in a serious car accident a year ago in a brand new Dodge Challenger (the car was totalled), and an unopened 1 Lt. bottle of water that I had on the passenger seat flew up and broke the windshield from the inside. Most people just do not realize the danger of having loose objects in a car during a serious accident -- they become potentially lethal projectiles.

Regardless, I suppose I will plan to remove the mount when I get to a judged event, but like I said, I would encourage the NCRS to change this practice. If the whole idea of giving extra points for having a fire extinguisher is to promote safety, then the practice of docking points for having a safe fire extinguisher mount installed seems to go against that idea. I would go so far as to say that having a fire extinguisher in the car that is not properly secured is more dangerous than not having one at all. By that logic, you would think the NCRS would actually require a proper mount be installed to get the bonus points.

Good point. Objects gain force exponentially during an accident. I just read an article this week about the amount of force that simple objects exert during a crash. If driving the car I would want the extinguisher solidly mounted.

My old head is pretty soft contrary to popular belief and I would not want the force of a cell phone hitting it at 70 mph, let alone a 5# fire extinguisher.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire extinguisher mounting and judging

I know too much to answer that one.

Just like your other comment: Prior knowledge doesen't count.

However, I will count on you young ones to remind me next year.